Teenage cricketer dies after being struck by a ball in Melbourne

An Australian teenager has died after being struck by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne.

Seventeen-year-old Ben Austin was practicing at the cricket nets in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday, wearing a helmet but without a neck guard, when a ball thrown from a handheld ball launcher struck him in the neck.

Emergency crews arrived at the scene at around 6:00 local time (06:00 GMT), and Ben was rushed to hospital in critical condition. He was placed on life support but died on Thursday.

Ben's father, Jess Austin, said the family was "completely devastated" by the passing of "our beloved Ben," while Cricket Victoria said the cricket community across the country would mourn the teenager's passing.

In a statement, Jess Austin shared his family's condolences. 

"To Tracy and me, Ben was a beloved son, a much-loved brother to Cooper and Zac, and a shining light in the lives of our family and friends," he said. "This tragedy has taken Ben from us, but we take some solace in the fact that he was doing what he loved most for many summers – playing cricket in the nets with friends.

"He loved cricket and it was one of the happiest moments of his life."

Mr. Austin said the family was also supporting Ben's teammate, who was bowling in the nets at the time of the accident.

"This accident has affected two young men, and our thoughts are with him and his family," he said.

He also thanked the local cricket community for their support since the accident and praised the first responders and medical staff who helped his son.

Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer Nick Cummins said it was an "extremely challenging time" for everyone.

"A similar accident happened to Phil Hughes 10 years ago, in which he was struck in the neck by a ball," Mr. Cummins said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

In 2014, Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died after being struck in the neck by a ball while batting in the Sheffield Shield.

His death, for which a coroner ultimately found no one to blame, sparked improvements in safety equipment for those playing the sport.

The ball that struck Ben was apparently bowled by a bowler using a handheld device, commonly used to increase ball speed and reduce bowling stress on the shoulders.

In a statement, Cummins said: "The entire cricket community in Victoria and nationally is mourning this loss, and it is a loss that will remain with us for a long time."

He described Ben as a talented player, a popular teammate, and a captain who was well-known in the under-18 category in Melbourne's southeast.

Mr. Cummins said, "It is very sad to see a young life cut so short while Ben was doing what he loved so much."

Ben played for Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, which paid tribute to the young player in a social media post, saying he brought joy to many.

The club also called on friends and supporters to "put their bats up for Bennie," said Hughes.

Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club, for which Ben played over 100 matches, said he was "kind," "respectful," and a "fantastic footballer."

"Our club and community have lost a truly great young man who was developing into a wonderful young adult and he will be missed by our club for many years to come."